Don’t call it a comeback: Both Neopets and the trading card game (TCG) are having a moment. So what better time than this revival-renaissance to combine the two? The masterminds at Upper Deck, a pop culture and geek-forward trading card and gameplay company, have done just that.
Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game is the ultimate fusion of the nostalgic digital pets from the early 2000s and a physical, collectible trading card game. Bobby Coovert, the Game Designer and Product Manager of Neopets Battledome TCG talks to The Pop Insider about the inspiration for the new game, the elements of a fabulous TCG, and how to craft a new take on an old favorite.
Tell us about the new game, Neopets Battledome TCG. What is the play style, and what are the game components?
Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game is an easy-to-learn, fast-paced, two-player, dice-battling TCG, where Neopets battle in a best two out of three combat in hopes to become the Champion of the Battledome! To prepare to battle, you will need a 50-card deck made up of a combination of Codestones, Equipment, Food, Faeries, Legends, Paint Brushes, and Potions, a Neopets deck with three to five Neopets (all different species), and up to 10 Rainbow Pool Neopets. At least 10 six-sided dice will be required for battle.
What was the design process like for this new game?
I have been a fan of Neopets for over 20 years, being drawn to the characters and pet customization from a young age. I knew this would be a Neopets game before designing the system, so I had theme in mind. My overall goal was to create an approachable TCG good for the lifelong fans of Neopets, while easy enough so those passionate fans could share the game with their families.
How about the art style? How was that developed for Neopets Battledome TCG?
When I first talked to our incredible art team, I expressed I was looking for “elevated nostalgia.” You will see the art captures the style from the early 2000s, while bringing a fresh new look. Our inaugural set, Defenders of Neopia, features talented artists like Anthony Conley, Krista Staggs, Shamine Athena King, Ash Warner, and many more artists who are all fans of Neopets!
How did you adapt the digital aesthetic of Neopets to fit this physical trading card format?
I wanted to pull the most exciting parts of Neopets and put them into the game, starting with the most important part of the browser game, the Neopets themselves. Neopets Battledome Trading Card Game begins with each player picking their favorite Neopet and building around that Neopet in any way they like. This includes training your Neopet with Codestones, preparing them for battle with equipment and potions, enlisting the aid of iconic Faeries and Legends, or even using Paint Brushes to transform your Neopet into a new unique form!
Are there digital components to the TCG? Can you tell us about what they are and why were they included?
Yes! We have included the opportunity to pull “Grundo Warehouse” digital item codes from booster packs which are redeemable on Neopets.com for items exclusive to Neopets Battledome TCG. Both the Starry and Fire Starter Decks also include exclusive avatars available to use on your Neopets.com account!
Why should Neopia fans start playing Neopets Battledome TCG? What should they know before they play?
I hope fans of Neopets will be drawn to the incredible art and stay for the unique, yet familiar, game mechanics. Neopets fans will quickly realize while Neopets Battledome TCG isn’t identical to the Battledome on the browser game, it expands on the idea of battling in the world of Neopia.
Upper Deck has brought countless fandoms to life in game format. In your opinion, what makes a truly great trading card game?
I believe a great trading card game starts with a simple system, complemented with fun and interactive card mechanics. The addition of a great IP (like Neopets) will help the TCG shine. While all these things are important, I believe the most important aspect of a great trading game is building an amazing community. Listening to both the player and the collector of your trading card game will contribute to the overall success of a game. We make tabletop games to bring people together, incite happiness, and be a part in creating long lasting memories.
To purchase the trading card game and secure your chance at tabletop Neopia glory, shop Neopets Battledome TCG on the Upper Deck website now.
